Hanoi (Vietnam), 6 June 2016: Composite Indian defence delegation met with Vietnamese industrial counterpart in presence of  Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister of India and  General Ngo Xuan Lich, Vice Minister of Defence, Vietnam. This meeting gained significance as both countries are celebrating 45 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of strategic partnership, with defence sector being the major sector contributing towards this partnership.

During the interaction, General Ngo Xuan Lich emphasized on the significance of closer ties between Vietnam and India due to common threats and challenges. He pointed out that there were unbound opportunities on offer from both sides and it was for industry from both nations to take the best foot forward.

Manohar Parrikar, speaking on this occasion, desired Indian private sector to lead this initiative and explore and actively participate in Vietnamese modernization of defence forces. This will not just strengthen the diplomatic and military bond between both the nations but also open the doors of strategic exports. He assured the Indian Private Sector of full support of Ministry of Defence, DRDO and DPSU to realize the national aspiration of exports of defence items to friendly nations at competitive price.

The major areas identified for working together for upgrade of Soviet legacy systems; upgradation of Thermal Sights and Fire Control Systems for –  BMP, T 54 and T 55 Tanks; upgarade of MI 17 / Mi 8 Helicopters, Shipbuilding Programmes, Missile Systems from India and Software Defined Radios from Vietnam.

Some of the areas which is highlighted where India agreed as a single investor and joint venture like Training, Science & Technology and maintenance of legislature system. He also said that India is exploring the possibility of opening a credit line to Vietnam to further deepen this strategic relationship.

This interaction was attended by who’s who of Vietnamese Ministry of Defence and industries. Indian side was represented by Manohar Parrikar, Secretary DRDO, Secretary DP,DG Air Operations, DG Military Trainings, Naval Commander, ENC, JS PIC from Government side while FICCI Industry Delegation was represented by senior executives from Alpha Design Technology Limited, Optic Electronic (India) Pvt Ltd,  Tata Power SED, Larsen and Toubro, and Vajra Rubber Products (P) Ltd. FICCI as a proactive chamber of commerce is closely working with Indian industry and MoD to facilitate the trade dialogue between both the countries.